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Maneki-Neko "Patron Beckoning Cat" Thai Amulet -16
$ 110.00
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- Maneki-Neko "Patron Beckoning Cat" Thai Amulet -16
- Measure Approx. 3 1/4" long x 1 1/2" wide x 3/4" thick
- Materials: hand cast clay painted by a Master Amulet Maker, painted and adorned with Sacred Yants and Ritualistic symbols, suspended in oil inside a custom plastic case.
- Handcrafted in Thailand
- The Maneki-Neko (Japanese: 招き猫, literally "beckoning cat") is a common Japanese lucky charm, talisman, which is often believed to bring good luck to the owner. In modern times several folktales offer explanations.
- Visual folklore recounts similarities between the Maneki-Neko's gesture and that of a cat washing its face. There is a Japanese belief that a cat washing its face means a visitor will soon arrive. This belief may in turn be related to an even older Chinese proverb that states that if a cat washes its face, it will rain. Thus, it is possible a belief arose that a figure of a cat washing its face would bring in customers to escape the rain. China's Tang Dynasty author Duan Chengshi (803?-863) wrote: "If a cat raises its paw over the ears and washes its face, then patrons will come".
- The folktale of The Stray Cat and the Shop recounts another charming story. The operator of an impoverished shop (or inn, tavern, temple, etc.) takes in a starving stray cat despite barely having enough to feed himself. In gratitude, the cat takes up a station outside the establishment and beckons in new visitors (i.e. becoming the shop's mascot), bringing prosperity as a reward to the charitable proprietor. Ever after, the "beckoning cat" has been a symbol of good luck for small business owners.
- Modern Japanese folklore suggests that keeping a talisman of good fortune, such as the Maneki-Neko, in bedrooms and places of study will bring about favorable results and life successes.